Activities in Northern Central Highlands
-
A
-
Horseback Rides to El Quemado
Ride 'em cowboy! Numerous trails lead out into the dry, stark and fascinating desertscapes - hilly and flat - around Real. The most popular guided trail ride is the three-hour trip to El Quemado, the sacred mountain of the Huichol. Here you'll find expansive views of the high-desert plateau and a small shrine to the sun god.
Horse guides now belong to a union, approved by the municipality; if unsure, ask for a guide's credentials. The aim of the union is to standardize prices and safety. Note that no protective hats are provided; you clomp off at your own risk.
The horses and guides congregate every morning around Plaza Hidalgo. Willys jeep trips can also be arranged to ma…
reviewed
-
Socavón de Purísima
If you prefer to do your own hikes, you can head out from Real in almost any direction. A short hike goes to Socavón de Purísima, a large chimney of a former mine. Head down Allende and veer right at its end. You are on the road to Estación de Catorce. Follow this road until you reach the chimney (about 45 minutes one way). The road passes through a cut or split rock, the Cerro Trocado. To enter the mine, speak to the caretaker family (a tip is gratefully received).
To return, it's a longer and harder slog back up the hill (one hour one way; on weekends you might be able to grab a lift in a Willys Jeep). Caution: be prepared - tell others where you're headed, take wate…
reviewed
-
Pueblo Fantasmo
If you prefer to do your own hikes, you can head out from Real in almost any direction. The hike closest to home includes that up the hill to the Pueblo Fantasmo, on the hill behind - and clearly visible from - the town center. Head along Lanzagorta and stay left (avoid the road that veers right to the car park). The track you follow was the former entrance to town before the tunnel existed.
Allow at least one hour to get to the top - there is another section around 100m further on behind those ruins visible from the town. Beware that there are two large shafts - 50m - in the ruins.
reviewed
-
Cable Car
Zacatecas’ most exhilarating ride and the easiest way to Cerro de la Bufa’s summit is the Swiss-built cable car that crosses high above the city from Cerro del Grillo. It’s a short walk east from Mina El Edén (east entrance) to the teleférico ’s Cerro del Grillo station. Alternatively, huff up the steep steps of Callejón de García Rojas, which lead straight to the teleférico from Genaro Codina. Cars depart every 15 minutes (except when it’s raining or when winds exceed 60km/h) and the trip takes seven minutes.
reviewed
-
Taboada
Taboada is popular for its Olympic-size swimming pool (with very warm water), plus there’s a smaller pool for children and a hot thermal spa. A snack kiosk and a bar provide refreshments. Hourly ‘Nigromante’ minibuses, departing from Calzada de la Luz, will get you within 1.5km of Taboada; alternatively, jump off where the bus turns to Nigromante and walk the remaining 1.5km to the hot springs.
reviewed
-
Guided Tours
Guided Tours of the city center on the Tranvía bus in Spanish, leave from Jardín Zenea, near Plaza Constitución. For details, ask at the tourist office or at the information kiosk in Plaza Constitución. Also offered are longer trips (around $120 for two hours) to regional attractions.
reviewed
-
Olé Spanish Language School
The Olé Spanish Language School offers a range of courses with homestay options and extracurricular programs. Prices start at around M$195 per hour, and week-long courses range from moderate group classes for 15 hours from M$2080 to 35 intensive one-hour private classes for M$5265.
reviewed
-
Walking Tour
This excellent tour departs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from the Jardín. The English-speaking volunteer guides provide a fascinating historical and cultural commentary on the main sights of town. Proceeds go to Patronato Pro Niños (www.patronatoproninos.org), a children's charity.
reviewed
-
La Gruta
Just past Parador del Cortijo at Km 9.5, La Gruta is justifiably a local and tourist favorite; it has three small pools where a thermal spring is channeled. The hottest is in a cave entered through a 27m tunnel, with water gushing from the roof, lit by a single shaft of sunlight.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Centro de Crecimiento
Runs 'Saturday Adventures' every Saturday at 10:30 to ranches, haciendas, vineyards, monasteries and Talavera factories. Tickets are purchased from El Jardín on Fridays 10:30-12:30 and Saturdays 09:30. Proceeds go to the organization, a rehabilitation center for children with disabilities.
reviewed
-
B
Operatour Potosina
If you want to do a tour, Operatour Potosina is the outfit to do it with. This friendly and knowledgeable English-speaking operator offers tours around the city, as well as to haciendas, Real De Catorce and the Huasteca Potosina region. It’s located in the Hotel Napoles.
reviewed
-
C
Transportes Turísticos de Guanajuato
Transportes Turísticos de Guanajuato offers daily Guanajuato colonial tours, which include the Museo de las Momias, La Valenciana mine and church, the Monumento a El Pípila and the Carretera Panorámica. These depart three times daily, last 3½ hours and cost M$100.
reviewed
-
D
Recepturz
One of a number of agencies that run city tours and excursions to nearby places of interest, such as a city tour including the mine and the teleférico; Guadalupe; the archaeological site of La Quemada; and Fresnillo/Plateros. English-speaking guides can be arranged.
reviewed
-
E
Transporte Exclusivo de Turismo
Transporte Exclusivo de Turismo offers daily Guanajuato colonial tours, which include the Museo de las Momias, La Valenciana mine and church, the Monumento a El Pípila and the Carretera Panorámica. These depart three times daily, last 3½ hours and cost M$100.
reviewed
-
F
Academia Hispano Americana
This place, housed in a beautiful colonial building, runs quality courses in the Spanish language and Latin American culture. Private language classes are also available. Homestays with Mexican families – a private room and three meals per day – cost around M$364 per day.
reviewed
-
House and Garden Tour
An English-language tour of the loveliest private homes and gardens (mostly of expatriates) in San Miguel begins at noon every Sunday from the Biblioteca Pública. There are three different houses visited weekly. Proceeds support the library's enterprises.
reviewed
-
G
Bici-Burro
Friendly and professional, English-speaking owner Alberto conducts excellent guided mountain-bike tours for groups of two or more. Popular trips include six- or seven-hour excursions to Atotonilco or Pozos. Bike rental also available (around M$500 per day).
reviewed
-
Incline Railway
This incline railway inches up (and down) the slope behind the Teatro Juárez to a terminal near the El Pípila monument. Heading up is fun, but to descend, save your pennies and walk down (there are two obvious well-paved routes).
reviewed
-
H
Operadora Zacatecas
One of a number of agencies that run city tours and excursions to nearby places of interest, such as a city tour including the mine and the teleférico; Guadalupe; the archaeological site of La Quemada; and Fresnillo/Plateros.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
I
Funicular
The Funicular inches up (and down) the slope behind the Teatro Juárez to a terminal near the El Pípila monument. Heading up is fun, but to descend, save your pennies and walk down (there are two obvious well-paved routes).
reviewed
-
Escondido Place
Escondido Place has seven small outdoor pools and three connected indoor pools, each progressively hotter. The picturesque grounds have plenty of picnicking space and there’s a kiosk for drinks and snacks.
reviewed
-
Cavas de Freixenet
The winery Cavas de Freixenet is where you can see wine being made by método champenoise (champagne method) during free 40-minute tours.
reviewed
-
Promo Tur
From Querétaro, day trips to the missions plus other longer guided trips can also be arranged through the private tour operator Promo Tur.
reviewed
-
J
El Tranvía
El Tranvía, an imitation trolley car, offers three different routes through the city (hourly Tuesday to Sunday, between 10am and 7pm).
reviewed
